Human rights groups decry confirmation of Haspel

WASHINGTON (AP) — Human rights groups are lamenting the Senate confirmation of Gina Haspel to be CIA director because of her direct involvement in the spy agency's harsh detention and interrogation program.

Raha Wala at Human Rights First says the Senate's decision today to confirm her was unwise. He says Human Rights First is putting Haspel on notice that Congress and the American people will hold her to her pledge to never reinstate such a program in the future.

Laura Pitter with Human Rights Watch says Haspel's confirmation is a "perverse byproduct of the U.S. failure to grapple with past abuses."

Supporters cited Haspel's 33-year career at the agency. Former top intelligence officials said she earned the chance to take the helm of the intelligence agency.